Unidentified persons vandalise church, BJP govt sees conspiracy

Unidentified persons vandalised a church and damaged statues of Jesus and Mary in Bangalore on Thursday, an incident which was dubbed by the BJP governnment as a "conspiracy" to taint its image.

"The attack is a planned conspiracy to bring bad name to my Government. Those anti-social elements who are trying to disturb communal harmony and peace in the state would be dealt with an iron hand", Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said in the state assembly.

No effort would be spared to identify the culprits and action would be taken against them, said Yeddyurappa, whose government had to face a spate of similar attacks in parts of the state last year, particularly in the coastal region.

Yeddyurappa appealed to members of minority communities including Christians and Muslims not to panic over the incident and assured all protection to them.

Police said about 20 persons stormed the St Francis De Sales Church, forced security guards to flee, ransacked the church, damaged two statues and window panes.

The police rushed to the spot and launched a probe into the incident, which evoked protests by members of Christian community who resorted to "rasta roko."

Police pacified the agitators and persuaded them to disperse, promising action against those involved.